This episode features Époque Evolution co-founder Nancy Taylor, who discusses her company's emphasis on 'responsibility' over 'sustainability' in the fashion industry. It delves into the brand's journey from DTC startup to acquisition by Lolë, highlighting the advantages of increased resources and the challenges of integrating multiple brands under one corporate umbrella. Essential listening for DTC founders navigating growth and brand integrity post-acquisition.
Key takeaways
Prioritize 'responsibility' over 'sustainability' in brand messaging to foster deeper customer trust and clarify internal commitment beyond buzzwords.
Leverage acquisition by a larger entity to access greater resources and expand impact, while strategically maintaining core brand ethos.
Develop clear brand architecture and design leadership to successfully integrate diverse product lines post-acquisition.
Focus on tangible, responsible practices in product development and supply chain to differentiate in a competitive market.
Understand the philosophical shift from startup agility to corporate resource management for effective growth post-acquisition.
Sustainability has become such a big buzzword in retail, but Époque Evolution co-founder Nancy Taylor thinks there's a better word for the work that needs to be done.
"I was truly passionate about trying to do things in the responsible way," she said. "So we took the word sustainable out of it and we used the word responsible."
That word has guided the Époque Evolution business since it launched in 2018 as a direct-to-consumer fashion brand. Her company was acquired by the Montreal-based Lolë, best known for its athleisure products.
Now, Taylor is the vp of design over the entire umbrella company Lolë brands, which involves having all the various lines -- Lolë, Époque as well as Lolë's mass-market apparel line -- work together.
Taylor joined this week's Modern Retail Podcast and spoke about the transition from DTC startup to living under a bigger brand, as well as the perks of working with more resources.
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Frequently asked about this episode
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Prioritize 'responsibility' over 'sustainability' in brand messaging to foster deeper customer trust and clarify internal commitment beyond buzzwords.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Leverage acquisition by a larger entity to access greater resources and expand impact, while strategically maintaining core brand ethos.
What does this episode say about founder & leadership?
Develop clear brand architecture and design leadership to successfully integrate diverse product lines post-acquisition.
What does this episode say about supply chain & operations?
Focus on tangible, responsible practices in product development and supply chain to differentiate in a competitive market.
What does this episode say about dtc strategy?
Understand the philosophical shift from startup agility to corporate resource management for effective growth post-acquisition.
